calligraphyFree garden admission, discounted programs, sunrise views, Japanese taiko drumming, and calligraphy highlight August 29th celebration

Millbrook, NY — Innisfree Garden will welcome residents of Northeast Dutchess County for its Late Summer Community Day on Saturday, August 29, 2026. The day offers local residents free garden admission, discounted tickets to two special workshops, and an opportunity to experience Innisfree at the quiet first light of dawn.

Thanks in part to a generous grant from the Northeast Dutchess Fund, a fund of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, free admission will be offered to residents of Amenia, Clinton Corners, Dover Plains, Millbrook, Millerton, North East, Pine Plains, Pleasant Valley, Stanford, Washington, Wassaic, and Wingdale. Proof of residency must be presented upon arrival.

This year’s Late Summer Community Day celebrates the broad Asian artistic traditions that helped shape Innisfree. The garden is best known for its deep roots in Chinese landscape painting and garden design, while also reflecting influences from Japanese garden design. Two participatory programs will offer a lively nod to Japanese art and culture through taiko drumming and calligraphy.

At 5 a.m., Innisfree will open its gates an hour before sunrise for Morning Light: Sunrise at Innisfree, inviting photographers, nature lovers, and early risers to watch the first light unfold across Tyrrel Lake.

At 11 a.m., Mujin Taiko will lead a Japanese Taiko Drumming Performance and Workshop on Innisfree’s scenic overlook. The program will begin with a brief performance before introducing participants to the rhythms, movement, and spirit of ensemble-style Japanese drumming. Participation is limited to 20 people, with 10 people drumming at a time while the other group watches, listens, and enjoys the instruction. The powerful sound of the drums will resonate across the garden, making this an exciting day to visit even for those not participating in the workshop.

At 1 p.m., the Mid-Hudson Japanese Community Association will present an Innisfree-Inspired Japanese Calligraphy Workshop, also on the overlook. Participants will learn about traditional calligraphy tools and techniques, practice expressive brushwork, and create a piece inspired by Innisfree’s landscape, design, and late-summer atmosphere. No previous experience is required, and all materials will be provided.

Regular garden hours on August 29 are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged and help Innisfree document participation for grant reporting and future funding. Garden admission tickets are required for Community Day, and separate program tickets are required to reserve places in the taiko drumming and calligraphy workshops.

Additional information and ticket availability is at https://www.innisfreegarden.org/events/late-summer-community-day-2026.

About Innisfree Garden

Located in Millbrook, New York, Innisfree Garden is a nationally significant public garden surrounding Tyrrel Lake. Its 185-acre landscape brings together Modernist ideas, Chinese garden design principles, native ecology, and the distinctive “cup garden” concept developed by landscape architect Lester Collins. Innisfree welcomes visitors for exploration, reflection, education, and a wide range of public programs throughout its open season.

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Image: Calligraphy